The Greek people have spoken and I respect their decision. I hand over a country that is part of the EU and the euro. For the good of this country, I hope the next government will maintain what has been achieved.

- Prime Minister Antonis Samaras

PM Samarasa said at a news conference: "The Greek people have spoken and I respect their decision. I hand over a country that is part of the EU and the euro.

"For the good of this country, I hope the next government will maintain what has been achieved."

Following the victory, 40-year-old Tsipras said on Sunday (25 January) that Greece is "leaving behind disastrous austerity" and that, "in Greece, democracy will return. The message is that our common future in Europe is not the future of austerity."

Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras greets supporters following victory in the election in Athens on January 25, 2015. Greece is 'leaving behind disastrous austerity' and the so-called troika of creditors 'is finished', Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras said after his party won the general election.Getty Images